Number 10 Press Briefing - Afternoon 6 November 2012

This news article was published under
the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on the appointment of Mrs Justice Macur to review the Waterhouse inquiry as well as questions on Syria, Angela Merkel's visit and Nadine Dorries.

Justice Macur

Answering questions on the appointment of Mrs Justice Julia Wendy Macur the PMS said she would review the scope and conduct of the Waterhouse inquiry into child abuse in North Wales and would make recommendations. Asked about what Justice Macur had done previously in her career the PMS said she was called to the bar in 1979 and practiced as a barrister on the Midland and Oxford circuit. In 1998 she was made Queen Counsel and in 1999 appointed order of the crown court. In 2005 she was made a high court judge in the family division and that she was one of three high court judges who considered the case of Tony Nicklinson, the “locked-in syndrome” sufferer.

Syria

Answering questions on whether the PM had discussed the option of providing safe passage for President Assad from Syria, the PMS said that we want to see Assad brought to justice, but our priority had to be an end to the appalling violence and to achieve this Assad had to go.

Angela Merkel visit

Asked what the PM would say to Angela Merkel the PMS said that the EU budget would be among the issues discussed. We have been talking to Germany and other countries about the EU budget for some time. We have had a very consistent position and this would be an opportunity to reiterate those points.

Nadine Dorries

The PMS referred lobby questions on Nadine Dorries to the Conservative Party.